as in to rant
disapproving
to speak or express your opinion about something in a way that shows that you think you are always right
We had to listen to her pontificate about the best way to raise children.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pontificate
Indeed, the Abbé pontificates on pretty much every topic known to man as the pair try in vain to tunnel their way to freedom.
—
Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
The literary space has always been a realm where Black intellectuals, writers, and artists examine history, pontificate about the future, and survey dominant narratives.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
That’s especially true for one of its two main narrators, Verity, an aging franchise movie star who acts, thinks, and pontificates like an adolescent.
—Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
From a purple-pod terminalia tree a crimson-breasted shrike pontificated at us.
—AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
The literary space has always been a realm where Black intellectuals, writers, and artists examine history, pontificate about the future, and survey dominant narratives.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 30 Dec. 2025
That’s especially true for one of its two main narrators, Verity, an aging franchise movie star who acts, thinks, and pontificates like an adolescent.
—Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2025
From a purple-pod terminalia tree a crimson-breasted shrike pontificated at us.
—AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pontificate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pontificate
Verb
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Rinderknecht allegedly ranted to passengers about Luigi Mangione, who is accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, capitalism and vigilantism, The Associated Press reported.—
Madeline Morrison,
NBC news,
10 June 2026
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Trump continued ranting as Welker tried to fit in more questions about the weaponization fund, but the president said he was done with the interview, thanking Welker for the time and wishing her a good day before walking away.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Customers raved over the biscuits, shrimp and grits, griddle burger and brunch.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 June 2026
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Regulars rave about the tomato pie and the lemon bars.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pontificate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pontificate. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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